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Community Events with Madison Public Library

Find us out and about at these community events around Madison. Get a library card, enjoy art and making activities with Bubbler in the Neighborhood artists, browse books, pick up We Read materials or just stop by to say, "Hi"!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Parks Alive

Parks Alive 2023Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city from June-August 2023. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Park locations include Allied Park, Elver Park, Aldo Leopold Park, Hammersley Park, Meadowood Park, Owl Creek Park, Penn Park and Worthington Park. SEE ALL EVENTS

Madison Public Library is excited to be sending staff from nearby libraries to participate in Parks Alive activities this summer! Meet your local library staff, sign up for a library card, pick up We Read materials, interact with Bubbler in the Neighborhood artists and browse book on the Dream Bus

Mobile Madison

Madison Public Library's Dream Bus at Mobile MadisonJoin the Dream Bus and other Mobile Madison partners for an evening of fun. Enjoy free snacks, books, art activities, fishing games, fitness, and more. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the movie in the park! There are two Mobile Madison events for Summer 2023, and both take place in June as a kick-off for summer. Mobile Madison is a partner collaboration bringing free, fun activities to Madison neighborhoods.

See the full list of participating organizations and check out the events below! 

Madison Night Market

Madison Public Library at Night MarketStop by Madison Public Library's table (Top of State St.) at Madison Night Market this summer. The Market is located along State Street and Gilman Street in the heart of downtown Madison, where library staff will join vendors showcasing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. Sign up for a library card, find out about upcoming events or programs, or just say hello! The event includes live music, artists, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences.

The Madison Night Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID). For more info, go to MadisonNightMarket.com

A Wild Rumpus

A Wild Rumpus is back for 2022This free, child-led activity is a unique play opportunity in the park on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.  The library provides Anji play equipment to spark your children's imagination and kids create a play story based on their activities of the day. Meanwhile, grownups have an opportunity to help their kids reflect on their play. Participants are encouraged to wear their "play clothes" and bring a water bottle. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Dream Bus

Madison Public Library's Dream BusMadison Public Library's Dream Bus visits a dozen stops five days a week during the summer. The goal is to bring books, DVDs and more to communities that experience transportation barriers to accessing library services. Visitors to the Dream Bus can apply for a library card, browse books outdoors and check out or return books, place holds or pick up holds at the Dream Bus. Each summer, the Dream Bus also visits community events throughout Madison and Sun Prairie. See the full schedule online.

Forward Madison

Forward Madison FC We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest CelebrationMadison Public Library and Forward Madison FC are partners in literacy! We held a kick-off event in April for the We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest at Breese Stevens Field, where we announced the opening of the contest and encouraged kids and families across Madison to apply. The deadline to submit to the contest is Friday, June 30, and we'll visit Breese Stevens Field again on Saturday, August 12 where we'll announce the winners of the contest and give them their prizes! The Dream Bus will also be out front before the game begins with their Making & Learning intern, who will offer arts and crafts for all ages to participate in. 

 

Central Library